The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-05
THE MICHIGAN CONVENTION.

1
and place which resulted in the meeting
of the Michigan Convention at Hillsdale
during the third week in October. The
preceding days had been marked by ar
almost uninterrupted rain, but as If the
brighter spirit Of our faith we're in happy
league with the elements, Monday wit
messed favorable change in the weather
| The delegates had been urged to be in
attendance as early as Monday evening
and an unusually large number were
seen in the congregation which filled the
church on the occasion OF the opening
sermon. DIR. Rexford was the preacher,
and his theme was "Ohurch Life
which he handled in his mastery way,
showing how there should be happy
blending of the devotional and social
spirit in every congregation.
The full house on Monday evening
was prophetic of large attendance on
the opening day of the Convention, and
good congregation was already in the
church at the hour of $50 A. M, when
the first conference meeting Of the ses.
sion was held. This was led by Rev. W.
L. Gibbs, of Concord, and several Of the
clergy and laity participated in the 80
cial service.
At 1870 the Convention was called to
order by the President, Rev. DIR. Rexford;
prayer was offered by Rev Elmer d.
Jacobs, of Lapeer. and at roll call the
large number OF delegates responding to
their names gave emphasis to the "quo-
rum present"
The officers for the year we're then
chosen as follows:
President Rev. e. L. Rexford, ID. d,
Vice president FL. @. Hodge.
Secretary Rev. Charles Fluhrer, d. d.
Treosurer-E. w. Dart.
A Committee on Elections, consisting
of Homer Bickford, Hiram Tuthill and
Mrs. Sarah E. Trowbridge were appoint
ed, after which the communion service
was conducted by the Hillsdale pastor,
Rev. W. F. Dickerman, assisted by Rev.
E. ID. Jacobs and W. l.. Swan.
Rev. S. q. Robin, Of Bay City. then
delivered the Occasional Sermon, large
and interested congregation being in at
tendance. The text was from Isaiah xxi.
10, 11-"Watchman, what OF the night?
the morning cometh." The dis
course traced the law of change in the
material and moral world and interpret
ed the signs of the times. ID A tendency
toward greater simplicity in religion;
(2) toward greater sincerity, as seen in
more frank avowal of convictions; 81
toward larger hopefulness for man; "a
toward greater catholicity OF belief
The sermon was delivered with much
esrnestness and grace, and its insniring
tone justified the committee in placing it
at the beginning of the session.
The Convention re-assembled at 2 P.
M, with more delegates in attendance,
and the St anding committees were an
nounced: On Religious Services, Rev. W.
F. Dickerman, Mrs. A. F. Whelan, Mrs.
j. Frank Eddy. On Nominations, Rev.
J. M. Getehell, Rev. Charles Fluhrer, B.
North. On Unfinished Business, FL. r.
Naysmith, E. w. Dart, Mrs. N. E.
Thomas.
Then followed the report of the Execu-
tive Committee, which was referred to a
special committee, consisting Of Rev.
J. FL Palmer, Rev. M. B. Carpenter and
W. l.. Snyder. The report was chiefly
taken up with missionary work. Appro-
priations had been made at Port Huron,
Hillsdale and Clifford, in all amounting
to 1926. Through the aid of the Conven-
ton, Charlotte has become self. support-
ing; and under the fostering care the
other points named are constantly grow
ing stronger. The report recommended
continuation of the missionary meth
DDS, urged that steps be taken to create a
permanent Fund of $4,000 and conclud
ed with these words: "Never in its histo-
ny was our church on the whole in bet
ter condition than it is to-day. From
every point during the past year word
has come up OF growth and gathering
strength. Our pastors are consecrated,
there is most admirable unity, the peo-
pie are in good heart, and in every place
where we have standard bearer, our
flag with the largest rsme upon it of
any religious banner in the world, is the
symbol of an advancing power. In Mich
igsn we have given that name, Univers-
alism, q more Catholic Interpretation
than it has ever received in its history; in
Michigan it is for us to achieve greater
conquests in it's behalf"
The report of the Treasurer, e. w.
Dart, showed General Fund Receipts,
$137.33; Expenses, $40 80; balance on
hand, 500 "a; Publication Fund, $53;
Ministerial Relief Fund 1856. 80; Mission
airy Fund receipts, sos. rs; expended, 1925;
unpaid order in favor Port Huron, $3.50;
balance, $130.75. An Auditing Commit
tee consisting of Rev. e. d. Jacobs, A..
L. Stewart, and 81. @. Hodge subsequent
ly reported the account correct.
The report of the Committee on Fell
lowship, Ordination and Discipline show
ed
Ordained-Rev. o. G. Colegrove.
Received Rev.W. F. DickermRn, Prot
estant Methodist church, Ohio; Rev. E.
ID. Jacobs, Indiana; Rev. W. W. Clayton,